Device for purifying exhaust gases

Abstract

Device and method for purifying exhaust gases from motor vehicles. A housing includes an intake opening, an outlet opening, an exhaust gas inflow area, an exhaust gas outflow area, and a longitudinal axis. At least one module for purifying exhaust gas is arranged in the housing and has a module axis. The at least one module connects the exhaust gas inflow area and the exhaust gas outflow area, and the module axis is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

1 . A device for purifying exhaust gases from motor vehicles, comprising: 
 a housing including an intake opening, an outlet opening, an exhaust gas inflow area, an exhaust gas outflow area, and a longitudinal axis; and    at least one module for purifying exhaust gas arranged in the housing and having a module axis,    wherein the at least one module connects the exhaust gas inflow area and the exhaust gas outflow area, and the module axis is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the module axis is tilted at an angle of 15° to 75° relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.  
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is a muffler.  
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one module is made at least partially of metal foam.  
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one module comprises at least one of: at least one filter element and at least one catalyst element.  
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one module comprises several modules that are spaced apart from one another.  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one module covers an entire cross section of the housing.  
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the at least one module is connected to the housing.  
   
   
       10 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a gas-tight support element connected to the housing to maintain the at least one module in a spaced apart relationship from the housing, and    wherein the at least one module penetrates the support element to allow the exhaust gas to flow between the exhaust gas inflow area and the exhaust gas outflow area.    
   
   
       11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the support element is a metal plate.  
   
   
       12 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one module is substantially cylindrical and penetrates the support element with the module axis.  
   
   
       13 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one module comprises plural modules that are encased in a gas-tight manner in some areas.  
   
   
       14 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the support element is connected to the housing such that the exhaust gas inflow area is substantially conically tapered in a direction from the intake opening to the outlet opening.  
   
   
       15 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises at least one flow guidance device.  
   
   
       16 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the flow guidance device comprises a baffle plate.  
   
   
       17 . A method of purifying exhaust gases of motor vehicles, comprising: 
 directing exhaust gas through an inlet opening of a housing;    purifying the exhaust gas in at least one module arranged in the housing, in which the at least one module has a module axis tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing; and    directing the exhaust gas through an outlet opening of the housing.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the module axis is tilted at an angle of 15° to 75° relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a gas-tight support element is connected to the housing to maintain the at least one module in a spaced apart relationship from the housing, and 
 the at least one module is supported to allow the exhaust gas to flow between the exhaust gas inflow area and the exhaust gas outflow area.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the support element is arranged in the housing to form a conically tapered exhaust gas inflow area.